Meet Dorka Jones | Pro Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dorka Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dorka, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’m a big fan of taking calculated risks! As much as I love to have control, know the outcome, have every little thing planned out, I see so much value in taking risks. If you take a chance on what you know could potentially be a stepping stone in the direction of your goals or dreams, then it is so worth it. If it works out, the reward is great. If it doesn’t, you don’t lose anything and you continue to live the way you are right now. It takes more effort but almost always leads to a new opportunity, mindset shift, connection, etc. Staying safe will keep you stagnant.

I took a chance by leaving my secured job 7 years ago after starting to build my clientele, to become a freelance artist. I have done so much free work in order to connect and continue to update my portfolio. I will almost always find a way to squeeze a great opportunity with big clients. I have jumped on that plane to be ‘available’ for that maybe opportunity. I have started saying no to jobs that pay well but are not my passion in order to open up more time for potential bookings that align more with where I want to be.

All of these (and many more) have been risks that have taught me how valuable they are not just for me but for growing my business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In the Beauty profession there are many ways to go about your business! I have personally found that for me, a “well rounded” type of balance has worked the best. For example, being professional, building strong connections, making sure you deliver and they’re happy with your work. As you build, you learn. One of the biggest lessons which now I always say, is that talent is not the only thing that can set you apart or the only thing that will get you through the door. And I truly believe that is what has allowed me to reach some big dreams throughout my career. Being kind, professional, making your clients feel seen, using great products, being properly educated & up to date with trends, are some things that also set you apart.

Never in my wildest dreams imagined this could one day be my life and that I could be traveling the world, working with some incredible people, through the art of makeup.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First things first, shopping is a must. So I would probably go to a few malls or outdoor plazas that have a good ambiance to walk around. We would need some caffeine and food so I would probably stop at Little Hen if we’re feeling cute or Pura Vida for something quicker, or Bistro Cafe to keep it with my roots. Love the beach for the sun + relaxation + reading. So that’s always an option. Dinner would mostly likely be sushi, like Paperfish but I am always wanting to try all kinds of new spots since there are so many options!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be where I am without the support of a lot of people. My husband has always encouraged me to go for it, that I have it in me to go after my dreams and is always a listening ear when I am needing to be encouraged. My family has showed unwavering faith in me and they inspire me to make them proud. My friends celebrate my wins as their own and they recommend me to everyone they know/repost my work as if they are my personal PR & management haha And my clients who have continued to come back, trust in me and have recommended me to people in their world. I will forever be grateful to them and cannot take credit for it all.

Website: www.dorkajones.com

Instagram: @dorkajjones

Image Credits
Asian model in red dress- Luca De Masis Red hair model in chair wearing bralet- Ehsan Zarrin Last picture, model with afro modeling jewlery- Kayla Mendez